Imaging of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignancies, including differentiated thyroid carcinomas, medullary and anaplastic carcinomas, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The incidence, presentation, natural history, prognosis, and treatment vary greatly among this diverse group of malignancies. The primary role of imaging in thyroid cancer is to evaluate for extension of tumor beyond the thyroid capsule and to assess for nodal metastases. Ultrasound is the standard imaging option for uncomplicated thyroid cancer, but patients with symptoms suggesting extrathyroidal extension or palpable lateral lymphadenopathy should be considered for cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.